Dotson done...Achilles ruptured!

[Potato Sack]

The Post just reported that Dotson's season will more than likely be over, and maybe even his career...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A52577-2002Aug6.html

Dotson Ruptures Achilles' Tendon

Ruptured Achilles' Could End His Career

By Ken Denlinger

Washington Post Staff Writer

Wednesday, August 7, 2002; Page D01

CARLISLE, Pa., Aug. 6 -- Santana Dotson, signed by the Washington Redskins about two months ago to provide veteran depth on the defensive line, ruptured his left Achilles' tendon today during a pass-rush drill and will undergo surgery Wednesday. Trainer Dean Kleinschmidt said such injuries usually sideline a player for the season, but a source said there is a "strong fear" that it could end Dotson's NFL career after 10 years.

Dotson had been cleared today to practice with the team for the first time since injuring the calf on that leg during minicamp. When end Bruce Smith (knees) and recently acquired tackle Daryl Gardener also worked out for the first time during training camp, the Redskins finally had the full defensive line they hoped would be intact for the regular season.

Smith and Gardener joined Dan Wilkinson and Renaldo Wynn on the starting unit, with the 6-foot-6, 310-pound Dotson a backup at the tackle positions. About 50 minutes into practice, however, during a one-on-one pass-rush drill with an offensive lineman, Dotson snapped his Achilles'.

Dotson, who Kleinschmidt said had complained earlier of soreness in his Achilles', walked off the field and defensive line coach Ricky Hunley said film of the drill did not suggest the injury was serious.

"He worked so hard in the offseason," Hunley said, "and we only got to see a few plays from him in minicamp."

With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers, Dotson was one of the NFL's most versatile linemen. He started 129 of 152 games and had 312 tackles, including 49 sacks. He also forced 11 fumbles and defended 27 passes. He played 114 consecutive games before missing a start in 1999 with the Packers.

Dotson was signed to a one-year contract for $775,000 that included a $25,000 signing bonus.

Hunley said several young players, among them former Maryland player Del Cowsette and Donovan Arp, will be given a chance for more action.

"The guys are really going to have to turn it up, see how things shake out," Hunley said.

The return of Smith and the initial effort by Gardener buoyed the Redskins, and both players boldly spoke of the defense's potential.

"I'll tell you right now," Smith said, "we're going to make some things happen this year."

Gardener was even more enthusiastic after his first workout since being signed as a free agent from the Miami Dolphins just before the Redskins left for Japan last week.

"It's going to be straight nasty," Gardener said. "The linebackers are going to love us. Every last one of 'em [LaVar Arrington, Jeremiah Trotter and Jessie Armstead] is going to the Pro Bowl -- and I expect a Rolex from each and every one of 'em."

When Smith and Gardener get to perform during the preseason remains in doubt. Smith, who had arthroscopic surgery on both knees during the off-season, said he would not play Saturday's game in Charlotte against the Carolina Panthers, although Coach Steve Spurrier said he might.

"We're going to do this the right way, be very smart about it," Smith said. "We're going to come out of the blocks Sept. 8 [in the regular season opener at home against the Arizona Cardinals]. It'll be a coach's decision, possibly a doctor's decision and [owner] Dan Snyder's decision."

Gardener expects to play against the Panthers but will be limited to one tough practice a day for a while.

"He's had two back surgeries," Hunley said, "so we don't want anything to flare up. From a conditioning standpoint, it's not a concern."

Gardener showed quickness and power during a morning workout in light pads and shorts today, then seemed happy and bitter at times during a press conference. He signed a one-year contract for $775,000 with the Redskins and could push it to $1.8 million by achieving all the incentives.

There had been reports that he alienated some Miami teammates but later made up with them. Gardener admitted to friction with Coach Dave Wannstedt.

"It was just a situation with me and the head coach that went sour," Gardener said. "Some things had to be done, and evidently I'm the weakest link. . . . It's been a tough journey. But it's the Dolphins' loss and the Redskins' gain. I expected to retire there. Things went sour. Now . . . it looks like I'll be retiring here."

Gardener said he turned down a more lucrative offer from the Denver Broncos, partly because he wanted to remain on the East Coast. He was born in Baltimore.

"I'm back where I almost started," he said, referring to almost being drafted out of Baylor by the Redskins.

"The coaches were just scared to pick me," he said. "When I walk in, I'm intimidating to look at. I think the coach just got scared: 'I don't think we're going to get this guy motivated enough.' They thought I'd be the biggest bust in the country."

Gardener said he anticipated no problems with his new teammates.

"In the locker room, they know what type of player I am, know what I'm all about," he said. "I don't care if I'm on one leg, I'm going to hop and make the damn play."

Defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis is eager to see how Gardener develops.

"He hit the ground running today, did a good job," Lewis said. "He's a veteran with ability, strong. He's played a lot of football. And he's got something to prove."

[Potato Sack]

Sorry about this thread. I scanned the other threads and COMPLETELY overlooked the other one! Again, my sincere apologies.

[CHRISB]

Santana must have come back to soon from the pup.

A tough lost, I was happy to have him on the DL.

What effect does this have on the cap and do we look

for another DL for this season to help in the rotation?

[Potato Sack]

Actually, I think his other injury was a calf injury, right? I was under the impression that the Achilles rupture was a new injury.